Outdoors

How to Reserve a Hiking, Camping, or Backpacking Trip in Oregon

Trust the process—even if it is a little cumbersome.

01/19/2024 By Portland Monthly Staff

Hiking

6 Post-Thanksgiving Hikes in and around Portland

Skip Black Friday and spend your turkey recovery day at Forest Park, on Mount Tabor, or taking advantage of free parking at a state park.

11/22/2023 By Gabriel Granillo With Isabel Lemus Kristensen

Creative Exercise

Rucking Takes a Hike in Portland

Pssst. People are rucking all around you.

10/20/2023 By Ellee Thalheimer Illustrations by Skyler Elzy

Back Off, Idaho! A Visitor's Guide to Eastern Oregon

5 Crucial Tips for Camping in the Alvord Desert

We caught up with experienced playa-goers for their critical advice on visiting this otherworldly terrain.

09/04/2023 By Sam Stites

Blazes

The Wildfires We're Watching Closely, and Where to Avoid

Air quality has improved around Portland, but areas in Central Oregon and the Cascade Mountains are still on fire.

09/02/2023 By Sam Stites

Swift Movement

Vaux’s Swifts Are Early This Year: Where and When to Watch

The birds are back, by the thousands, in a chimney near you. Go see the largest roost in the world, which happens to be at an elementary school.

08/31/2023 By Dalila Brent and Julia Silverman

Heat Wave

It’s Hot AF in Portland This Week. Will We Break All-Time Records?

Temperatures are forecasted for 100–108 degrees for three consecutive days.

08/15/2023 By Katherine Chew Hamilton

State Parks

Silver Falls State Park Solves Its Popularity Problem

The park, which gets 1.3 million visitors a year, unveiled the first part of renovations with new parking, two trails connecting to popular hikes, and a kids' nature play area.

08/04/2023 By Sam Stites

Cycling

Get Naked: Pedalpalooza’s Essential August Rides

The bike festival’s most famous ride, the World Naked Bike Ride, is back, plus four other recommended rides featuring lizards, gravel, freeway history, and ice cream.

08/01/2023 By Katherine Chew Hamilton

Trolling

Don't Be an Internet Troll. Help Build One Instead

Want to help build an enormous wooden troll? This is your moment, as Danish artist Thomas Dambo brings his 30-foot-tall creations to the Pacific Northwest.

07/21/2023 By Dalila Brent

Buzz Off

Why Are Mosquitoes Swarming Portland? For Starters, the County Didn’t Spray.

Mosquito populations are up fivefold this summer—and Multnomah County is giving out free mosquito fish to help limit their spread.

06/14/2023 By Katherine Chew Hamilton

Essay

The Deschutes River Became My Therapist and Healer

"The pain I fought, the darkness I navigated, and the loneliness I endured as a navy veteran fighting PTSD would leave my body the closer I got to the river to fly-fish."

06/08/2023 By Chad Brown

Wildfire

New York Experiences Wildfire Smoke, Can’t Handle It

Portlanders are puzzled by the responses to East Coast poor air quality, which is their annual reality.

06/07/2023 By Sam Stites

Opt Outside

Outdoor Beer Collaborations We're Loving Right Now

These Oregon companies are promoting two of our favorite things: beer and nature.

05/12/2023 By Sam Stites

#VanLife

Tips for First-Time Camper Van Buyers

Local experts give advice on how to land you the camper van of your dreams.

05/05/2023 By Sam Stites

Camping

Camping in the Era of Fire Bans

Here’s how to plan for camping trips without campfires.

04/04/2023 By Matt Wastradowski

Spring Break

4 Hikes for Families Close to Portland

Spring break is the perfect time to reconnect with family and nature with these hikes just a short trip from the city.

03/27/2023 By Sam Stites

Trails

Hike of the Month: Linear Trail at L. L. “Stub” Stewart State Park

Spend a day exploring this state park’s 25-mile network of hiking, mountain biking, and horse-friendly trails.

03/06/2023 By Isabel Lemus Kristensen

Snowbiz

Mobility Duo Is Taking the Snowboard Industry by Storm

The Central Oregon–based business offering physical therapy, workouts, and its own brand of "Snoga" is helping snowboarders of all ages prevent injury and improve their mobility.

02/20/2023 By Sam Stites

Trails

Hike of the Month: Oxbow Loop

Explore 12 miles of trails through towering old-growth forest and the glacier-fed Sandy River just minutes from Portland.

02/14/2023 By Isabel Lemus Kristensen